Keep bugs at bay

By mudlark • June 3rd, 2008

Summer is here and so are the mosquitoes, no-see-ums, and other pesky biters. And apparently my 2-year-old son is their favorite snack. Really, my entire family goes outside and none of the 7 of us get a single bite – except Liam. By the time we go inside he’s covered head to toe in bites. So perhaps the best bug repellent is my son – take him with you and he’ll attract the bugs to himself so they don’t bite you! But really, what can you do without resorting to chemical-based insecticides? Simple! Lemongrass!

Plant some in your yard and you’ll keep insects away. Peel back the leaves to reveal a juicy pulp that you can apply directly to your skin. Added bonus? Once your insect-repelling lemongrass plant begins to grow you can use it to cook all sorts of yummy Thai foods! It also makes a nice tea. And while you’re planting, put in some marigolds. It’ll add a nice pop of color to your garden, and it gives off a scent that mosquitos and other insects don’t like.

Alternatively, pick up some lemongrass essential oil at your local natural foods store, dilute it with water or oil and apply it directly to your skin. New moms, take note – lemongrass is also known for its ability to increase milk production in nursing mothers!

If you’re looking for something easy you can pick up at the supermarket, beware. I checked every single bug repellent at our local grocery store and they all contained DEET, complete with scary warnings about the dangers associated with their use. But don’t stop there – you can find natural alternatives at health food stores and boutiques. Burt’s Bees and Badger Balm both make their own natural bug repellent using lemongrass as well as other essential oils. Bite Blocker, Green Ban, and All Terrain Herbal Armor are others you might find. What works best will depend on your skin type, preferences, and what species of mosquitoes you have in your area. But according to Green Guide, readers report that natural alternatives like these work as well as DEET-based repellants.

Lemongrass is special because it has citronella in it – no need to buy the candles when you can plant the real deal in your garden. But lemongrass is stronger than citronella. There’s something in the plant properties that insects really don’t like.

Eucalyptus oil is also effective in repelling mosquitos, for up to 120 minutes (citronella candles only warded off mosquitos in some studies for up to 20 minutes). The EPA says not to use eucalyptus oil directly on the skin of children under the age of 3 (so I guess my bug-beloved 2-year-old will have to do with lemongrass).

If you’re grilling, add a few sprigs of rosemary or some sage to the charcoal to keep bugs at bay. Again, there’s something in the scent that drives them off. Your neighbors will love the barbeque smell, but they may not thank you for the bugs that fled from your yard to theirs!

Comments(6) Essential oils, Outdoors

Comments

By stacey on June 3rd, 2008 at 3:54 pm

yea, just what i was needing! i cleared my flowerbeds and now have your great suggestions as replacements!

By Jeana on June 3rd, 2008 at 6:44 pm

I just bought the Burt’s Bee’s Essential Oil bug spray and it’s great! Smells great and has no chemicals in it. I got it at Target and I think Kroger and Publix also carry it.

By victoria on June 3rd, 2008 at 9:07 pm

i have the badger anti bug balm. i have used it 2x’s & it worked. although we were not swarmed by insects so i can’t say if it will work in thick insect situations. i think it will because it is very citronella smelling. their suncreen is fantastic & i have used it tons of times & it works great! great products!
i love this site! keep up the good work broomhuggers, there is a wealth of info here

By geraldine on June 7th, 2008 at 12:14 pm

Love to learn other uses for things.Lemongrass great in asian cooking and now useful at keeping pest at bay.Thanks for the information keep sharing.

By Non Slip Stair Treads on June 11th, 2008 at 11:30 am

Liam sounds like me. Every time I step outside its like all the mosquitoes in the area leave everyone else alone and focus. Strictly on me. Its like they love biting me. The strange thing is I like getting bit so I can scratch the bites.

When I was 7 or so I was at a family reunion in the state of Idaho and was outside in the middle of June with all sorts of mosquitoes i was literally covered head to toe with bites, I don’t think I will ever forget that. My parents were astonished. I just hope that I am able to stave off West Nile whenever I get bit. Thanks for the post and the useful information contained.

By Kathleen McCutcheon on July 9th, 2008 at 4:22 pm

I have been copying page after page of your website to send to my friends and family. This is some great information. I am just going to send them the URL and let them explore. Thank you for your help with issues I struggle with. We have a chemical free, organic only home and it is difficult to know how to cope with mosquitoes. This is the first good information I have found. Thank You so much.